Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by Renee at It’s Book Talk. Throwback Thursday was designed as an opportunity to share old favorites as well as older books in our TBR. As I started reviewing on Goodreads long before I started my blog, it seemed a great way of sharing my earlier reviews (which I hope have improved since the early days).
So this week I’m revisiting Silent Scream by Angela Marsons – first reviewed in March 2015.
Even the darkest secrets can’t stay buried forever…
Five figures gather round a shallow grave. They had all taken turns to dig. An adult-sized hole would have taken longer. An innocent life had been taken but the pact had been made. Their secrets would be buried, bound in blood…
Years later, a headmistress is found brutally strangled, the first in a spate of gruesome murders which shock the Black Country.
But when human remains are discovered at a former children’s home, disturbing secrets are also unearthed. D.I. Kim Stone fast realises she’s on the hunt for a twisted individual whose killing spree spans decades.
As the body count rises, Kim needs to stop the murderer before they strike again. But to catch the killer, can Kim confront the demons of her own past before it’s too late?
My Review
There has been a lot of hype about this book which described itself as “an edge of your seat serial killer thriller” having read it I’m pleased to say that for once the hype is merited and it is a great read. The fact that it is a debut novel makes the discovery even more exciting as hopefully it means more of the same to come.
From the opening scene of five figures gathered around a shallow grave, you know that the secret that binds them together will ultimately be their undoing. However what is impossible to guess is what actually happened and who is responsible for what appears to be retribution.
When human bones are uncovered at an old children’s home DI Kim Stone and her team soon realise that their search is not only one that goes back in time to ascertain who was responsible but this discovery is also intrinsically linked to a spate of current killings involving people who worked at the children’s home.
As the plot involves the abuse and murder of young girls, it was not always a comfortable read, but in fairness it was not overly graphic or voyeuristic. Perhaps it was made more uncomfortable because sadly in real life we are increasing encountering examples of abuse within children’s institutions and the abuse of young girls who the authorities don’t see as victims but as willing participants.
As well as a plot which kept me guessing literally until the end, I really liked the character of DI Stone. She was a no-nonsense, get it done and worry about the legalities after character which really worked for this story. She also had her own demons to face on this case, which also made her more determined to catch the killer. Despite her hard-nosed, direct approach, Kim Stone definitely had a heart and her feelings were reserved for those that needed care. There was a very believable relationship between her and her team and especially DS Bryant which helped to add balance to the book as it offered some humour and lightness.
This really was a thrilling read and I look forward to reading more.
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